Besan or Gram Flour: Its benefits for skin, hair and health

Gram Flour, commonly known as Besan is a very common household item in India. It is used in cooking extensively and given various forms like Halwa, Curry, Ladoo, Pakoras, etc. It is made from a grounded mixture of chickpeas, chickpea or gram flour and is used widely in Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi cuisines. Gram flour contains a high proportion of carbohydrates, higher fiber relative to other flours, no gluten, and a higher proportion of protein than other flours.
Besan has a number of other uses too. In the form of a paste with water or yogurt, it is popular as a facial or body exfoliator. When mixed with an equal volume of water, it can be used as an egg replacement in vegan cooking. Here is a look at benefits of Besan for health, skin, and hair.

Besan contains soluble fiber, which helps in keeping the heart healthy. The fiber content in Besan keeps the cholesterol levels under control and this helps in proper functioning of the heart and healthy blood circulation.

If you are allergic to gluten, Besan is just the right flour for you. It is gluten free and can be used instead of wheat. Because of its subtle flavor, it can be a great addition to almost any savory dishes or desserts. Also, Besan contains less calories and is highly nutritious.

Besan has lower levels of glycemic index and thus helps in faster calorie burn. Consuming Besan will help you to eat lesser calories during the day.

Besan is rich in fiber that can contribute to cholesterol reduction. According to an Australian study, a diet containing gram flour lowered more bad cholesterol than a diet that contained wheat.

A report by Harvard Medical School indicated that chickpeas have a GI value of 10, which is a significantly low. Since Besan is also rich in fiber, it slows down the absorption of blood sugar and can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

1. For dry skin: Besan is a very good solution for dry skin. For this, add milk, honey and a pinch of turmeric in Besan to form a paste. Apply this pack on the face and keep it for at least 15 minutes. Wash it off once it dries.

2. For oily skin: A Besan pack absorbs all the excess oil from the skin, making it soft and supple. Mix a few drops of rose water with Besan and apply it on the face and neck. Once the pack dries, wash it off with lukewarm water.

3. For acne-prone skin: To tackle acne problems, mix Besan with honey and apply it on the face. Ensure to apply this pack on a regular basis. The antimicrobial properties of honey will curb all the pimple problems.

4. For blemished skin: Blemishes give an uneven tone to the skin and open pores that attract dirt and dust leading to pimple formation. For this, apply a paste of Besan and cucumber juice on your face and leave it for a few minutes till it dries. Wash it off with lukewarm water.

5. For tanned skin: Besan is very useful for tanned skin. For this, blend Besan, lime juice and turmeric with rose water to make a paste. Apply the pack, and wash it off after it dries. A regular application of it will give a lighter complexion.

Besan is a multivitamin for hair. It is rich in antioxidants, folic acid, iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, selenium, and niacin. All of these nourish hair follicles and improve growth. Besan also contains good amounts of antioxidants which protect the hair from damaging effects of free radicals. The high amounts protein in Besan helps to nourish the hair and combat hair loss. Besan is also rich in molybdenum. This supports the scalp tissue and surrounding hair follicles so the hair has a strong foundation to grow from.

To make a Besan hair mask, put 2 tbsp. Besan, 5 tbsp. yogurt, 2 tsp. lime juice, 1 tbsp. olive oil, 1 tbsp. almond flour, and 1 tbsp. honey in a bowl and mix well. You can add 2-3 tablespoons of water to thin out the mixture. Apply to you hair, from root to tip and leave it for 20-30 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water.